^{Words By Allegra Salvadori | Photography By Marwan Harmouche}

In conversation with Marie Claire Maison Arabia, architect Marine Bustros reveals the elegant renovation of a Haussmannian apartment in Paris, redefining its spaces to showcase an extraordinary art collection while preserving its historic charm.

In the heart of Paris, a classic Haussmannian apartment has been transformed into a luminous, art-filled retreat that honours its 19th-century soul while embracing the rhythm of contemporary life. The architect behind this sensitive yet bold renovation is Marine Bustros—founder of MB Design Studio—who brought to the project a unique cultural fluency shaped by life between Beirut, Paris, and Milan.

“Being Lebanese and born in Paris has profoundly influenced my design philosophy, enabling me to blend modern and traditional styles, as well as oriental and occidental elements,” she shares. That cross-cultural balance lies at the core of her practice. A graduate of ALBA in Beirut and SPD in Milan, Bustros draws inspiration from the cities that shaped her: “Beirut remains an endless source of inspiration for me, with its timeless beauty and striking contrasts. This vibrant city holds a special place in my heart, as its energy and dynamism constantly ignite my creativity.” Her time in Milan, meanwhile, cemented a deep appreciation for design as a way of life. “Studying in Milan, the heart of design, and completing my master’s at SPD was an incredible opportunity that deepened my appreciation for furniture design and Italian craftsmanship, undoubtedly the finest in the world.”

The apartment, located in a stately Haussmannian building, provided a rich architectural foundation: high ceilings, ornate moldings, expansive windows, and original parquet flooring. Yet the challenge was to update the layout for a contemporary art-loving resident, without compromising its classical integrity. “The main challenge was to modernize the apartment while maintaining its traditional charm,” says Bustros. “Our focus was on enlarging the space without removing any walls, while integrating the artwork without completely erasing the moldings.”

Instead of major structural changes, the design relied on a series of subtle but impactful gestures: removing the double doors between rooms to improve circulation, introducing light colours to amplify natural light, and installing a vintage metal panel at the entrance to create privacy without shutting out light. “These subtle interventions gave the apartment a more open and modern feel,” she explains.

Art is at the core of this home. It needed to breathe and be in constant dialogue with the space.

Bustros is quick to point out that the art collection was the true protagonist of the renovation. “In this project, the art collection truly dictated the architecture, rather than the other way around,” she explains. The walls became curatorial surfaces, with some intentionally left blank—such as in the dining room, where a striking tapestry holds centre stage. “We focused on the placement of each artwork, moving pieces around to see how they felt in different spaces and where they resonated best.” Lighting was key, designed not just for ambience, but to honour the presence of each piece. “Art is at the core of this home. It needed to breathe and be in constant dialogue with the space”  further explains the designer.

One of the most striking visual threads running through the apartment is the use of bronze, inspired by a sculptural divider Bustros discovered at the Marché St-Ouen. “It doesn’t merely separate spaces visually but also introduces a sense of rhythm while standing as a sculptural element in its own right.” This inspiration reappears throughout the apartment—in sliding doors, shelving, and a custom-designed cabinet with bronze and leather details that conceals a printer while displaying books and objects. “These touches of bronze tie the spaces together, adding warmth and elegance while echoing the sculptural inspiration,” she says.

The bookshelves surrounding the chimney are another defining feature. Crafted from oak, bronze, and marble, they offer an elegant stage for books and art alike. “The bespoke bookshelves surrounding the chimney are the key focal points. They are visible from every corner of the rooms, framing the space beautifully while creating a multifunctional feature where both books and artworks are displayed.”

The design process, however, wasn’t only about visual harmony—it was also a dialogue between space, function, and emotion. “Collaboration was instrumental in shaping the outcome of this apartment. We focused on actively listening to the needs and translating them into the design.” One such moment emerged in the dining room, where a dull courtyard view inspired an unusual but poetic intervention. “We replaced the glass with a custom-made stained-glass window, designed specifically for this project in collaboration with ‘La Maison du Vitrail.’ This solution concealed the unpleasant view while maintaining natural light and elevating the room’s aesthetic appeal.”

A home should be a sanctuary, offering comfort and tranquility.

For Bustros, a well-designed home is about more than beauty or even function—it’s about emotion. “Feeling at home! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being able to relax in your own space, to unwind from the emotions of the day, and to feel at peace,” she reflects. “A home should be a sanctuary, offering comfort and tranquility.”

Beyond architecture and interiors, she’s also making her mark in collectible design. Her Soleia Collection, now featured on 1stDibs, explores the intersection of form and function. “The Soleia Collection is a blend of design and art, embodying my vision of creating pieces that are both functional and captivating.” From the sculptural sofa to hand-painted details inspired by landscapes, the collection carries her distinct sensibility into the world of objects. “Being featured on 1stdibs has been a dream come true.”

And if this apartment were a piece of music? Bustros doesn’t hesitate: “‘Le Temps est Bon’ by Bon Entendeur. Originally by Isabelle Pierre, this track was reimagined in a contemporary way, much like how we’ve blended classical French elements with modern design in the apartment.”

With poetic precision and emotional depth, Marine Bustros has created more than a home—it is a space of resonance, a living composition of history, design, and personal meaning.

Explore more of Marine Bustros’ designs on Instagram at @mb.designstudios.